Features
Why We Should All Be Worried About "Crusadercore"
This online trend equips young, White men with a historically bastardized visual lexicon — one that gives new credence and religious authority to far-right bigotry.
Emma Cieslik
Emma Cieslik is a queer, disabled, and neurodivergent museum professional and writer based in Washington, DC. She is also a religious scholar interested in the intersections of religion, gender, sexuality, and material culture.
Features
Anti-ICE Nativities Take a Stand Against Trump’s Cruelty
Despite pushback from right-wing leaders, nativity scenes with a humanitarian message are spreading across the country.
News
Protest Dance Outside Kennedy Center Targets Trump’s Attack on Culture
Dozens of workers have been terminated since the president took over the institution in February.
Guide
Four New York City Art Shows to See Right Now
From Coco Fusco’s incisive political performance art to Alexander Calder’s whimsical circus, the shows below will grab your attention.
Art Review
Mapping the Queer Landscape of Medieval Europe
A new exhibition at The Met Cloisters makes the case that gender and sexual fluidity were an essential part of Medieval religious art.
Guide
Five DC Exhibitions You Can See Despite the Government Shutdown
Even as major museums are shuttered, there’s plenty of great art to see in the nation’s capital right now, from Arab Pop Art to the work of McArthur Binion.
News
A Giant Vulva Is Walking the Streets of Europe
Dressed in flowing pink robes, artist and activist Dee Mulrooney — or “Growler” — is urging the British Museum to return a Síle na Giġ statue back to Ireland.
Opinion
The “Pope Trump” Meme Is More Dangerous Than You Think
With humor and AI, the meme appeals to the growing constituency of devout MAGA Catholics.
Opinion
It’s Time for Museums to Step Up for Queer and Trans People
Amid ceaseless attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, art institutions have a responsibility to center and support their queer and trans staff and visitors.
Opinion
Nativity Scenes Have Never Been Neutral
To criticize the Vatican’s nativity with a now-removed Jesus in a keffiyeh would be to dismiss the artistic history of crèches centering marginalized people.
News
There’s a New Paranormal Museum in Town
The Rowtons’ Museum in Wales is part of a wider cultural movement to dive deeper into the histories of the supernatural and the spiritual.
Opinion
The Olympics Drag Scene Got Christian Art History Right
Critics of the opening ceremony betrayed their ignorance of Christianity’s pagan roots — and the real reason behind their ire toward the show.